Español: La fiesta de la tomatina 2006, Buñol (Valencia). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you love local customs and culture then this is for you!! “The tomato fight has been a strong tradition in Buñol since 1944 or 1945. No one is completely certain how this event originated. Possible theories on how the Tomatina began include a local food fight among friends, a juvenile class war, a volley of tomatoes from bystanders at a carnival parade, a practical joke on a bad musician, the anarchic aftermath of an accidental lorry spillage. One of the most popular theories is that disgruntled townspeople attacked city councilmen with tomatoes during a town celebration. Whatever happened to begin the tradition, it was enjoyed so much that it was repeated the next year, and the year after that, and so on. The holiday was banned during the Spanish State period under Francisco Franco for having no religious significance, but returned in the 1970s after his demise.
So, it’ time to head over to the city of Bunol in Spain for La Tomatina festival!!!
The world’s biggest food fight takes place at the Plaza Del Pueblo in the small town of Buñol in eastern Spain. La Tomatina happens every year on the last Wednesday in August and is the highlight of a week-long local festival in honor of the town’s patron saint, San Luis Bertràn and the Virgin Mary.
WHEN: August 29, 2012 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m
WHERE: Plaza Del Pueblo in Buño, Spain
The actual tomato throwing lasts for only two hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Whatever the real reason for the first tomato war, one thing is for sure: participants pelt each other with squished tomatoes; how fun is that?
La Tomatina (25.08.2010) – Spain, Buñol 04 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For more information, visit www.latomatina.org
Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides and Apps @ www.vino-con-vista.com
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